Weather in Changsha

Planning your day in Changsha or preparing for a trip? In this section, you will find the latest weather information, up-to-date forecasts, and useful charts to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Changsha is classified as humid subtropical, which means there are four distinctly defined seasons. Travelers can expect a hot and quite humid summer, followed by a pleasant and drier autumn. Winters in Changsha are cool, but generally without extreme frosts, while spring brings gradual warming and an increase in rainfall, preparing the city for the summer heat.

The summer months, especially July and August, are the sultriest, when the average air temperature steadily holds around 30°C, and maximum values can reach 33-34°C. In winter, in December and January, the average temperature drops to 6-8°C. Regarding precipitation, the spring and early summer months (from March to June) are characterised by the highest number of rainy days, with June standing out as the wettest. In contrast, the autumn and early winter months (from September to December) are usually drier, with less rainfall and more clear days, making this period particularly attractive for walking and exploring the city.

The annual temperature trend in Changsha demonstrates a clear change of seasons, offering diverse climatic conditions for travelers. The hottest months are July and August. In August, which is usually the peak of the summer heat, the average temperature is 30.3°C, and maximum daily readings can reach 34.0°C. July is also very warm, with an average temperature of 30.1°C. Conversely, the winter chill is most palpable in January, when the average temperature stays at the level of 6.0°C, and night-time lows can drop to 2.7°C. December is also a cold month with an average temperature of 8.0°C.

The summer period in Changsha brings consistent heat. Starting from June, when the average temperature already reaches 26.5°C (with daily highs around 29.5°C and night-time lows in the region of 23.6°C), the temperature continues to rise. In July, average values climb to 30.1°C, during the day the air often warms up to 33.4°C, and at night it rarely drops below 26.8°C. As mentioned, August is the hottest, with an average of 30.3°C, maximum daily temperatures up to 34.0°C and night-time temperatures around 26.6°C. One should be prepared for high temperatures during these months.

Winter in Changsha is generally cool, but without severe frosts. In December, the average temperature is 8.0°C, while during the day the thermometer can rise to 11.7°C, and at night drop to 4.2°C. January confirms its status as the coldest month with an average temperature of 6.0°C, daily highs around 9.4°C and night-time lows reaching 2.7°C. By February, the approach of spring is already felt: the average temperature rises to 8.1°C, with daily values up to 11.4°C and night-time temperatures around 4.8°C. Throughout the year, moderate daily temperature fluctuations are observed, usually within 6-8°C, which means a noticeable difference between daytime warmth and night-time cool, especially in the transitional seasons and winter.

In Changsha, there is a distinct seasonality in the distribution of precipitation throughout the year. The city experiences a wetter period falling on the spring and early summer months, giving way to a noticeably drier autumn and early winter season. Although the total annual rainfall is not extremely high according to the provided data, the frequency of rainy days varies significantly.

The highest amount of precipitation and the maximum number of rainy days are characteristic of the period from March to June. June is the absolute leader in humidity: in this month, an average of 11 mm of precipitation falls, and it rains for about 20 days. The spring months are also quite rainy: in March (6 mm of precipitation, 18 rainy days), April (7 mm, 18 days), and May (7 mm, 18 days), precipitation occurs frequently, gradually increasing in intensity towards the beginning of summer.

With the arrival of autumn, the situation changes: the amount of precipitation and its frequency decrease significantly. The period from September to December can be characterised as the driest of the year. December is the driest month, when only about 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is approximately 7. September, October, and November are also distinguished by a small amount of precipitation (about 2 mm in each of these months) and a relatively small number of rainy days (from 9 to 10), creating more comfortable conditions for walking.

Interestingly, the peak summer months, July and August, despite the high temperature, show a decrease in precipitation levels compared to June. In July, about 5 mm falls (14 rainy days), and in August – 3 mm (12 rainy days). The winter months, January (3 mm, 12 rainy days) and February (4 mm, 14 rainy days), have a moderate number of days with precipitation, however, the total amount of falling moisture remains low. Given the average monthly temperatures, precipitation in the winter period in Changsha falls predominantly in the form of rain.

When planning a trip to Changsha, it is important to consider the peculiarities of the local climate so that your luggage is packed correctly. The city has four distinct seasons, so the principle of layering in clothing will become your best friend. Regardless of the time of year, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as you will surely want to explore the city on foot. Also, considering the number of rainy days, especially from March to June, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will be very handy.

In summer, especially in July and August, Changsha can be hot and humid, with average temperatures around 30°C and highs up to 34°C. Pack light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics, shorts, t-shirts, and sandals. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Winters (December-January) are cool here, with average temperatures of 6-8°C. You will need warm items: sweaters, fleece clothing, a warm jacket (possibly windproof and waterproof, considering possible precipitation), a hat, and gloves. Although snow is rare, the cold wind can be perceptible.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are transitional seasons with more moderate temperatures. In spring, the weather can be changeable, with frequent rains, so a waterproof jacket and clothes that are easy to combine will be very useful. The temperature gradually rises from 14°C in March to 23°C in May. Autumn is usually drier and sunnier, with comfortable temperatures starting at 26°C in September, gradually decreasing to 15°C in November. A light jacket or sweater for evening walks, as well as comfortable trousers or jeans, are perfect for this time of year.